Applause

Dear Economist,

At the end of concerts the performers leave the stage to the sound of applause. I prefer to save my energy, especially when many of my fellow concert-goers are applauding on my behalf.

From a strictly economic viewpoint I believe that my behaviour is rational but why do others not behave as I do? Please do not fob me off with the explanation that the applause is thanks for an excellent performance.

I bought my ticket in the expectation of an excellent performance and the delivery of that is the performers living up to their side of the bargain.